Under the program, business owners will have access to up to $10,000 in forgivable loans for investment in facades, signage and streetscapes.

“The Poinsett Corridor Facade Improvement Program is an exciting program that should be a catalyst for economic development in the corridor,” Stan Wilson, executive director of the redevelopment authority, said in a news release.

The program is for businesses along the Poinsett Highway from Shaw Street to the Cherrydale Shopping Center. The loans are an effort to help businesses become “more attractive, accessible and code-compliant,” according to the release.

Greenville County Council Chairman Butch Kriven said the Poinsett district “has more potential than any other area of Greenville County to become a complete community.”

“The efforts are very inclusive of the residents that live here now and the current businesses,” Kriven said. “We want to help them all improve and prosper to be a great place to live and work.”

Up and down the corridor there have been efforts to improve, including demolition of the Piedmont Shirt Factory, the relocation of Greenco Beverage Co. to the area and the addition of sidewalks around the area.

“We need to develop this area to make it look better,” said Greenville County Councilwoman Xanthene Norris. “I’m very proud of what we have done and will do. We have started our work and will make this a success.”

Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly listed the amount of money available to businesses. Business owner will be able to access up to $10,000 in forgivable loans.